There’s nothing better than freshening up your garden furniture after a long, cold winter to create a second outdoor living room. But what is it? There are unsightly mildew stains on your seat covers! Your once shiny cushions are stained and yellowed. To avoid having to buy new cushions, find out how to clean your garden cushions here. With a few simple tricks, you can get them back into shape.
Basic cleaning: The first step to success
If you want to make yourself comfortable in your garden, you can’t do without garden cushions, as they turn your garden furniture into a real oasis of well-being. But even if you store your seat cushions in a suitable box during the winter, wind and weather can damage your cushions. This can result in mildew stains and, in the worst case, even mold. The reason for this is the moisture that settles on the upholstery during the cold season and can lead to unsightly discoloration due to insufficient ventilation.
Before you tackle stubborn dirt, you should start with a deep clean. Shake the upholstery vigorously to remove loose dirt. For heavier soiling, you can use a soft brush or your vacuum cleaner with an upholstery nozzle.
Cleaning garden upholstery in the washing machine
If your covers are removable and machine washable, you can simply clean the garden cushions in the washing machine. Make sure you select a washing program with low temperatures so as not to damage your covers. A look at the washing label will show you the maximum temperature at which the seat cushions can be put in the washing machine. After the wash cycle, you should allow the cushions to air dry – ideally in the shade to avoid color changes.
To remove mold spores using a wash cycle, you would have to clean your garden cushions at 50°, some stubborn types of mold even need 70° to completely disappear from the cushions. These temperatures are usually too high for the seat cushions.
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Home remedies for mildew stains and mold
If you want to remove mold and mildew stains from your garden upholstery, the following home remedies will help you:
Vinegar and water bath: Fill your bathtub with water and add plenty of vinegar essence. Now place your garden cushions in the bath and leave them to soak for at least twelve hours. Then rinse the covers thoroughly with water or, if possible, put them in the washing machine.
For spot stain removal, mix one part vinegar with three parts water and spray this solution directly onto the stain. After a few minutes, carefully brush off the mold.
Baking soda paste: Baking soda can also help you remove stains. Make a paste from three tablespoons of baking soda and two tablespoons of water. Apply this to the stains, leave it to work and then brush it off.
Sodium hypochlorite: This active ingredient from the pharmacy can help with particularly stubborn mildew stains. Apply it carefully and observe closely, as it can bleach out fabrics. As soon as the stain disappears, rinse thoroughly with clean water.
Tip: Sometimes a “bath” in the sun is enough to remove stains from garden upholstery. The UV rays act like a natural bleaching agent.
Correct storage: prevent mold
Even the best cleaning is of little use if your garden cushions are not stored correctly. To prevent mildew stains and mold, you should follow a few rules:
- Store in a dry place: Make sure your cushions are completely dry before you store them. Moisture is the main reason for mold growth!
- Ventilated storage space: Store the pads in a well-ventilated, dry room. Special garden chests with ventilation slots or a dry garden shed are ideal.
- Do not pack airtight: Avoid airtight plastic bags, which can form condensation. Breathable storage bags are more suitable.
- Ventilate regularly: Take out your stored cushions from time to time and let them air out, especially if the storage room could be damp.
- Waterproofing: Before storing, it is worth impregnating with a special spray that forms a dirt and water-repellent protective film.
With these tips and tricks, you can not only clean your garden cushions effortlessly, they will also stay beautiful for longer. So you can enjoy your garden season carefree – on fresh, inviting cushions that invite you to linger. And if a stain doesn’t come out: Think of it as an opportunity to give your outdoor area a fresh look with new cushions!
Source: stilartmoebel.de
